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Hot Stove roundup: Ellsbury to Yanks leads wild day

Hot Stove roundup: Ellsbury to Yanks leads wild day

MLB.com analyst Jim Duquette recaps a very busy day throughout the Majors, including the Yankees reportedly signing Jacoby Ellsbury

By Adam Berry
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MLB.com |

Why wait for the Winter Meetings?

That seemed to be the message across Major League Baseball on Tuesday, by far the busiest day of the offseason thus far. The Red Sox agreed to terms with A.J. Pierzynski to start the day, and Jacoby Ellsbury's pending deal with the Yankees served as the other major bookend.

Meanwhile, the Rays traded for a catcher and a potential closer they'd been interested in for years. The Tigers found a closer. The A's bolstered their bullpen -- twice, actually -- and added to their outfield mix. The Astros made their first big move. The Marlins zeroed in on a big-name catcher. And that's just the start of it.

Seriously, given the way Tuesday played out, what's left to do next week at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort? Hang out with Mickey and Minnie?

There's a lot left to be settled, of course. Robinson Cano and Shin-Soo Choo are among the high-profile free agents available, and there's still an expectation that Rays ace David Price will be traded. But before we look too far forward, let's recap the busy stretch that left baseball's Hot Stove completely ablaze, as MLB.com's Richard Justice writes.

AL East

The Yankees paid up for Ellsbury amid a spending spree reminiscent of their 2008-09 offseason, raising some questions about their pursuit of Cano, as MLB.com's Bryan Hoch writes. Ellsbury's deal is for seven years and $153 million, with an eighth-year option.

While they were at it, the Bombersofficially announced their five-year, $85 million deal with catcher Brian McCann. He'll be introduced in the Bronx on Thursday. According to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, New York also is close to signing Kelly Johnson, who could play some second base if Cano signs elsewhere.

The Red Sox made their first big move of the offseason, as MLB.com's Ian Browne reports the World Series champs have agreed to a one-year contract with Pierzynski, reportedly worth $8.25 million.

The Rays pulled off a three-team tradewith the Reds and D-backs, reeling in catcher Ryan Hanigan and reliever Heath Bell. Tampa Bay also agreed to a three-year extension with Hanigan, as MLB.com's Bill Chastain reported. With Jose Molina and Jose Lobaton already on board, Andrew Friedman might have an extra catcher to deal. He also has the game'shottest commodity in Price.

AL Central

The Tigers reportedly found their closer in veteran Joe Nathan, as MLB.com's Jason Beck writes.

Could Carlos Beltran return to Kansas City? MLB.com's Dick Kaegel wrote about the free agent's meeting with the Royals. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, opposing clubs are convinced that Beltran is bound for a KC reunion.

The Twins officially announced the acquisition of Ricky Nolasco on a four-year, $48 million deal, the largest free-agent signing in club history.

AL West

The A's had another busy day, as MLB.com's Jane Lee reports, trading for outfielder Craig Gentry and right-hander Josh Lindblom before acquiring setup man Luke Gregerson. They could stay busy at the Winter Meetings, as Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports that Oakland is likely to trade starter Brett Anderson.

Colorado has reportedly agreed to termswith a new first baseman in Justin Morneau, as MLB.com's Thomas Harding writes. The Rockies also picked up right-hander Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes by parting with Fowler.

The Padres bolstered their offense, particularly against right-handed pitching, by acquiring outfielder Seth Smith from the A's.

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.